Wells College
Wells College is a private nonprofit university in Aurora, NY ranked #1845 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 355 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.7%. Students most often pursue Psychology and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 50.3% first-year retention, and 40.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,921, about $5,923 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -61.1%, roughly 146.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,648. That's about $8,040 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Wells College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wells College graduates 40.9% of students within six years and keeps 50.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Wells College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,166 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,950 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,300 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,012 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.8% of Wells College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,281 to $30,684 depending on family income. Use Wells College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,997/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,684/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $35,648
- 10-Year Median Earnings $35,648
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 57.1%
- Employment Rate 46.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wells College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Wells College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wells College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wells College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wells College graduates earn $35,648 median, the -61.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 355
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 50.3%
- Graduation Rate 40.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Wells College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wells College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 69.7%, Wells College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 69.7% acceptance rate, Wells College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wells College undergraduates. Psychology, General, Biology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 18.6%
- Biology, General 16.3%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.3%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 7.0%
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other 7.0%
- Sociology 5.8%
See more majors
- Criminology 4.7%
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studi 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Psychology, General $48,811
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,360
- 3. Biology, General $35,728
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Psychology, General grads earn $48,811—37% more than Biology, General ($35,728). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wells College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (25 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Sociology
- Criminology
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Sustainability Studies
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 355
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.4%
- Female Students 60.6%
- Caucasian 58.9%
- Asian 2.8%
- Hispanic 12.1%
- Black 14.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wells College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wells College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wells College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wells College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wells College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wells College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wells College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -61.1% ROI. Ranked #1845 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,921 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $35,648 median earnings. With 40.9% graduating within six years and 50.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Wells College's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1845 ranking, Wells College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,921 annually, Wells College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 50.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,045 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -61.1% ROI and $35,648 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,921+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Wells College ranks #1845 of 1966 institutions, with 1506 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 40.9% six-year graduation rate sits 21.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 50.3% first-year retention is 26.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -61.1% return on investment is 146.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $35,648 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,921 is roughly $3,012 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 50.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 46.7% employment rate within three years sits 21.5 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,921 is about $3,012 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Wells College is a private nonprofit university based in Aurora, NY and earns a C- overall grade. It stands at #1845 among 1966 schools Completion earns C, Support B-, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
50.3% of learners come back after year one while 40.9% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -61.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,921 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,012.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,091 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $35,648 at the median. This is roughly 18% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 46.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -61.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
69.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Wells College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Aurora, NY 13026-0500
- Website www.wells.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- Endowment$28.8M